After public outcry arising from the alleged sexual harassment of a 16- year-old, Barakat Mayowa Melojuekun by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, the Ogun state government has issued a statement suspending the Commissioner.
In a statement credited to the Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, and made available to Blueprint Sunday, the suspension is to enable the Commissioner cooperate fully with the independent investigation being carried out by the Police.
“Whilst taking cognizance of the principle of a suspect being presumed innocent until proven guilty and the public statement issued by Hon. Abudu-Balogun denying the allegation, as a government with zero tolerance for gender-based violence and indeed any criminality, the suspension is a further demonstration of the commitment of Prince Dapo Abiodun Administration to fairness, equity, justice and the rule of law, no matter who is involved”, the statement stated
Talabi further stated that the government assures the public that it will do everything to ensure that justice is served in this case.
“In the meantime, the suspended Commissioner has been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment”, the statement concludes.
